✨ The White Lotus: ACOTAR AU, White Lotus!AU set in Greece ft. Nessian, Feysand, Elucien, Gwynriel, and Cresserie. Chaotic who done-it that follows the general plot of a typical WL season. Collab with @unhealthyfanobsession, ongoing.
A final piece that was planned for Nesta Week -- This was originally planned for Free Day.
Sorry not sorry about the angst.
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"I've turned it over in my mind again and again," Nesta said, and looking at her now he saw the glassiness of her eyes. The faraway look that indicated some sort of shock. "It must have been about equality, right? I'm your mate, I'm expected to be equal to you."
Cassian's mouth fell open, and he looked helplessly at Azriel who, despite all his efforts at constant stoicism, appeared nothing short of stricken.
"I know it must be a disappointment that I did not make Carynthian."
"Nesta," His brother began, his voice strained. "Do you think we put you in that Rite?"
His mate finally lifted her gaze, settling her unfocused eyes on the shadowsinger without any real heat in them.
"Didn't you?"
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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Are we actually going to say the "Book in four parts" thing is new and groundbreaking and innovative because.... Baby that's just a book series. One story multiple parts. It's okay to call it what it is.
Are there any Nessian fics you’ve been obsessed with lately?
Okay so, I’m horrible when it comes to bookmarks, but I definitely have Nessian fics I’m obsessed with lately! (I’d suggest going through these authors’ entire catalogues, because I literally drop everything when any of them updates or posts something new, but I’ll try (and fail) to stick to one per author otherwise I’ll still be here tomorrow)
- @theteaqueendom’s I Could Find You, Darling, In Any Life (honorable mention for The Whole Truth, which was finished recently and had me feral).
- @wishcamper’s smoke signals. Read it, it’s the best. Bi!Cassian struggling through life, finding love and trying to figure it out. It’s amazing. (Also eagerly awaiting In the bulrushes, but in a patient way).
- @jsmelodies’ devils, where Nesta’s from the Hewn City and Cassian is a man with the concept of a plan (how we love him best), seeing her and going that’s my WIFE (mate). It’s delicious.
- @janearts’ A Court of Steel and Flame, which is an amazing ACOSF rewrite/fix-it with jaw-dropping art that you can find on tumblr. Girl really can do it all.
- @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk’s Hold Me Like A Knife because Viking!Cassian is one of the hottest things I’ve ever read and they’re delicious together.
- @unhealthyfanobsession has me obsessed with a new wip My Kingdom Come Undone, which vibes remind me of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and it’s everything.
- @c-e-d-dreamer’s When We Howl The Moon Will Cower. Werewolf Cassian and Witch Nesta, and all I’ll say is I want to be the meat of their sandwich. I’m not kidding when I say I’m obsessed with this.
- @dustjacketmusings’ Baby, Don’t Hang Up. Nessian being dumb and ignoring feelings, is there anything better? The shenanigans and smut are like cakes I stuff my face full of every single time I read this.
- @jellybeanjellyfishblog’s A Court Of Fallen Stars. An ACOSF rewrite, with Nesta in Day, taking place 10 years after ACOWAR.
- @xxvalkyriesxx Flying Changes. Equestrian Nesta is charged with community service at Cassian’s range. Forced proximity my beloved.
- @moodymelanist’s Freak Like Me. Domme Nesta, need I say more? The smut is unparalleled, and they haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet (except all that has happened has been the good stuff too).
- @ncssian’s Take The Long Way Home. An angsty, achingly sad but hot and beautiful modern au that I am obsessed with. (Also check out Better Man because the latest update was ah-maze)
I’m tossing in some Nessriel too, because these three have me obsessed as well:
- @acourtofladydeath’s Take These Broken Wings. Devastating, heartbreakingly beautiful. Starts out Nessian, turns Nessriel. Won’t spoil too much but get ready to be destroyed and put back together in the best way.
- @thesistersarcheron’s viciousness & intelligence. My first Nessriel and it’ll forever live rent free.
- @wishcamper’s silverfish. Wet cat Az, need I say more?
Happy reading, anon! Thank you for the ask! And again, check out these wonderful artists’ entire catalogues ✨
The fact that Feyre uses her shapeshifting powers to give herself Illyrian wings, when Illyrian women, who were born with a call from the sky, are routinely subjected to wing clipping, having their power of flight stolen from them, while Feyre does nothing to advocate for the women of Illyria, has never lived with the people of Illyria, knows nothing about their culture, and uses her wings for stuff like sky sex, has already been called out for being dodgy.
Feyre defenders will hit back with "well why aren't you criticising the Valkyries then for cultural appropriation", but this comparison doesn't work for so many reasons.
The first, and it's a big one, the Valkyries weren't a single race. The Valkyries were made up of women from many different races. Nesta, Gwyn and Emerie aren't appropriating a single culture or race. They are women of different cultures, different races, coming together to train and work to achieve the status of Valkyrie, as the Valkyries did before them.
The Valkyries weren't born Valkyries, they became Valkyries through training. Training which Gwyn, Emerie and Nesta undergo.
Nesta, Emerie and Gwyn work. They practise. They put in the effort. They have studied the legacy of the Valkyries and they put in the leg work to follow in their legacy. Feyre's only connection to the Illyrian women is Rhys.
Furthermore, the women of Illyria are still living with Wing Clipping and discrimination. Their oppression is rife, and Feyre is living in luxury and absurd wealth in Velaris, popping their wings on and off at will like a costume or a party trick.
The Valkyries were wiped out in battle. Nesta, Emerie and Gwyn are continuing their legacy, reviving a practise that would have been lost if not for their efforts. Their training, their sacrifices and their loyalty to each other emulate the practises of the Valkyrie, and makes them worthy of the name.
Nesta, Emeria and Gwyn put in the effort. Feyre doesn't.
Belated post for Nesta week whoops this one was for resilience.
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“Still think you belong here, little witch? Not even those leathers make you look convincing. I could still snap you like a toothpick.”
The male – not quite as tall as Cassian, but perhaps just as bulky, had been eyeing her from the moment she’d first arrived in this gods’ forsaken place for training. She knew he’d just been biding his time before taking a shot.
Typical male behavior, if she ever saw it.
“I belong where I please,” Nesta replied, making an effort to step around him.
Instead, he stepped towards her, and a large, rough hand landed on her shoulder, heavy through the fabric of her jacket, pushing her back.
“I’m not finished.” He snarled, leaning in close enough that she could smell the ale on his breath. “Someone ought to remind you of your manners when a male is speaking to you.”
“Do not,” she warned, angling out from his hold, “put your hands on me.”
He released her, albeit roughly, but did not step out of her way.
“The General may be getting a laugh out of parading you around, but you soil sacred ground, with whatever wickedness you hold in that tiny body. Will it bleed out of you?”
Her power roared to life at the words, burning her insides. Shifting on her foot, she made another effort to leave, offering a flippant,
“Save your bitching for another day; for someone who cares to hear it.”
His arm came out again, blocking her, nearly hitting her in the face. Jerking her head back, she snarled,
Join us in celebrating our favorite bat boy from July 19 through 25, 2026!
Welcome to Cassian Appreciation Week 2026! Feel free to participate in any way you can, from headcanons, fanart, moodboards, fics, drabbles, playlists…. no matter how big or small, anything celebrating Cassian is welcome!
Please tag @cassianappreciationweek and use the tag #CassianWeek2026 so we can see all your lovely posts!
And if you plan to post on Instagram, make sure to follow us and collab with us on the post!
This year’s prompts are as follows:
Day One: Devotion ⚔︎ Cassian is devoted to many things, his family, his soldiers, Illyria, his mate — how do you see him sharing and showing his devotion?
Day Two: Birthday ⚔︎ Cassian may not have an official, canon birthday, but we all agree he gives big Fire Sign Energy — how do you see Cassian celebrating his birthday and channeling his inner Leo?
Day Three: Enalius Reborn ⚔︎ The Illyrians call Cassian Enalius Reborn — how do you see him embodying the warrior-god? What might Cassian's destiny include?
Day Four: Lover ⚔︎ Cassian has had many opportunities for love across Prythian — who do you ship him with? Nesta? Azriel? Eris? Lucien? Any and all ships are welcome!
Day Five: Home ⚔︎ The cabin in Illyria? The House of Wind? The townhouse in Velaris? Or another unseen home? — what do you think home means to Cassian?
Day Six: Victories & Loss ⚔︎ Cassian's life has been fraught with both victories and losses — how do you see him handling these moments both past and present?
Day Seven: Free Day ⚔︎ Any topic of your choosing!
Thank you to @talkfantasytome, @c-e-d-dreamer, @moodymelanist, @dustjacketmusings, @melphss, @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk, @theteaqueendom, @podemechamardek, @perseusannabeth, @unhealthyfanobsession, @wishcamper, @xxvalkyriesxx, @jsmelodies, @jellybeanjellyfishblog, and @chelseamorninggirl for helping to plan this event!
Let me know if you’d like to be added to or taken off the taglist!
Snippet below the cut
Nesta has been staring at the same sentence for the past twenty minutes.
The duchess gazed upon the pirate’s rugged visage with unbridled passion, her bosom heaving beneath the constraints of her corset.
It’s terrible. The whole manuscript is terrible. The duchess is terrible, the pirate is terrible, the author’s understanding of both historical accuracy and human emotion is terrible. She hates every fucking word in this manuscript.
But Nesta can’t focus enough to write the editorial notes explaining why it’s terrible, because Cassian has been playing music in his room for the past hour and it’s getting progressively louder. At first, it was just annoying background noise. Now it’s rattling her desk.
It had started with 90’s reggae, but it’s progressed to some kind of aggressive rock music with a lot of drums and shouting. The kind of music people listen to when they’re either working out or having an emotional crisis.
Nesta tries to ignore it. She closes her door, but it doesn’t help. She puts in earbuds, but she can still feel the bass through the floor. She considers going to a coffee shop, but she’s in sweatpants and has no desire to put on real clothes.
Finally, when she reads the sentence about the duchess’s heaving bosom for the forty-ninth time, she snaps. She rips out her earbuds, storms across the hall, and bangs on Cassian’s door.
No answer. The music drowns it out.
She bangs again. Harder this time, using the side of her fist. “Cassian!”
Still nothing.
“Cassian!” she yells. “CASSIAN! Turn down the music!”
Nothing. She’s only met with more drums and guitar and someone screaming about scheming and sabotaging.
Fine. She’ll just have to go in there herself then.
Nesta throws open the door, already launching into her complaint about the noise and how she’s trying to work and he’s being inconsiderate and has he even considered for a second that other people live here, when she stops dead.
“OH MY GOD!” Nesta exclaims, because Cassian is standing in the middle of his room completely, utterly, entirely naked.
He’s clearly come fresh from the shower. His hair is wet and dripping. There are water droplets trailing down his neck, his back, to the swell of his very toned ass. His skin is still flushed from the hot water. And he’s just… standing there. Naked. In front of his dresser, presumably about to pick out clothes.
He turns toward the sound, and Nesta’s temporarily distracted by the tattoos everywhere. Intricate black designs curl up his ribs, spreading across his chest and wrapping around his biceps. She’d seen them before, but nothing could’ve prepared her for this full, wet picture.
And below the tattoos…
Nesta’s brain short-circuits, because she can see everything.
A late submission for Nesta Week 2026 Day 3: Fate/Destiny
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“But why can’t I have a berry?”
“Because, silly! It’s for her.”
Nesta raised her eyes from her novel to assess the two children standing in the doorway of the bakery.
Younger than ten, the pair of them, a brother and sister dressed in warm cloaks. Autumn was settling fast in Velaris, bringing with it a cold chill that often had her shivering, despite her best efforts.
Still, it was nice to finally be out of the House.
“Is that even real?”
The boy sounded exasperated, eyeing the basket of fresh berries eagerly. They were fresh – enticing enough that she couldn’t blame him for the desire. It was lunchtime.
“Of course it’s real! We must have the best altar, so that she protects our souls for another year!”
The boy rolled his eyes.
“But why can’t we just get her different berries? Why does it have to be these?”
“Because she has to have the best! Those are the rules.”
Nesta huffed softly at the sight of the two of them bickering. It was something she and Feyre could have fought over, once upon a time, had things been different.
“Don’t you remember the poem?” The girl asked. “It’s in her honor.”
There was a voice in the distance, likely their mother calling.
“Who is she anyway?” The boy asked as they walked away. “Why do we care about some witch on a mountain?”
“She’s not just any witch,” the girl replied, as if it were obvious. “She’s Lady Death.”
Nesta blinked, straightened, and took a moment to process the words.
Lady Death.
At once, the magic in her chest jolted – as if called.
The witch in the mountain.
The witch in the mountain was… her?
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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
In honor of last year's post (and the derby today), here's this year ACOTAR characters with the hats they would wear at the Derby.
And in addition...what horses they would bet on.
Feyre:
Whimsical, royal.
She would bet on Fulleffort cause he's not like the others (dapple gray coat) but since he's scratched she'll go with So Happy.
Nesta:
Elegant, modest
She's betting on Commandment. Cards isn't the same as horse racing, but Nesta understands the art of gambling.
Elain:
Colorful, lively.
Elain's betting on Further Ado. My headcanon is that she picked up the most from their father being a merchant and understands the odds and ends in gambling.
Mor:
Life of the party, showstopper
With wine in hand, Mor's going with So Happy. She understands horse racing and bets and feels confident in her choice.
Amren:
Abstract yet settle
People would assume she cares less, but Amren loves to win. She's also betting on Commandment.
Emerie:
Bold, class
Emerie's new to horse racing she kinda just picked one and went with it. Her pick is Emerging Market.
Gwyn:
Unique but a call to her roots
Gwyn is the horse girl™ of the ACOTAR cast, so she knows a lot. She's going with Further Ado as well.
LOA:
Rare, Traditional
LOA understands horse racing but knows to play it safe, so her pick is Commandment.
Vassa:
Confident, grand
Vassa is somewhat new to horse racing but Renegade stood out to her!
Viviane:
Fun, bright
Vivane is here for the vibes and the drinks. She's following her bestie, Mor! So Happy it is.
Rhysand:
Wealth, stylish
He's going for the best odds, Renegade
Cassian:
Confident, strong
While Cassian can be goofy, he's a general for a reason. He's betting on Commandment, although Incredibolt was the runner up.
Lucien:
Untamed, Wild
Lucien is a jack of all trades and loves a challenge, so he's betting on Chief Wallabee.
Kallias:
His mate wanted them to match
He's just here for his wife. Whoever she's betting on, he'll bet on them too.
Helion:
Standout, wealth
Helion has nothing to lose, so he's betting on Danon Bourbon
Jurian:
Carefree, goodtimes
He's broke, he's not betting on anything
Azriel:
Simple
Azriel has work to do but got dragged to the race. He's betting on Incrediblot bc why tf not.
The routine was the only thing that kept Cassian sane.
Rising with the sun, heating the forges, and filling the day’s orders.
He did not see Nesta every day, and he had to be okay with that. But that didn’t mean he didn’t see her most days.
She always found a reason to stop by. Something to be fixed or to place an order. Sometimes Burrich would accompany her, sometimes she walked alone – much to the chagrin of, apparently, both him, Warwick, and the Lady Greenwald, who he had yet to properly meet.
After a fortnight she would stay long enough for conversations that went beyond more superficial pleasantries. Preferring to sit on a bench in the outside forge, or by the window indoors, to get some sun, they had actually started to talk.
It was never long, but it gave him vital bits of information that he stored away. Lady Greenwald’s cook was Warwick’s niece, who had birthed a son a month or so prior to his arrival.
The Lady was well liked by most people in town, though she was old enough that visits down from the house were rare. But she was an avid scholar, with a particular affinity for plants and tinctures, and often provided assistance when anyone fell ill. Her son, Lord Greenwald, spent most of his time in the port city they’d come through upon arrival, monitoring his business interests and contributing to local politics.
When it came to Nesta herself, he tried desperately to find any pieces of her that resembled the female he knew three years ago. They came when he least expected it.
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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works